Resource Management Act: RMA Link: Processes: Details

Sections 45-55 of the RMA provide for National Policy Statements to be prepared on significant resource management issues, including the provision of public infrastructure. Apart from the existing New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, this part of the RMA has been underutilised so far.

Prior to the 2005 amendments, there was one process for preparing an NPS, and this used a board of inquiry to review a draft. Now a quicker alternative process can be used, which simply seeks consultation on a draft NPS. This is likely to be used for NPS's on infrastructure. Environment, conservation, public health and other public interest groups may have less input into preparation of the draft, and there is no provision for appeal to the Environment Court. MFE's Improving National Leadership factsheet gives more details on these changes.

MFE has commenced the process of preparing NPS's for protection of rare and depleted indigenous vegetation, electricity transmission and electricity generation. Current information on the progress of these can be found on the MFE website.

Sections 56-58 of the RMA cover the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement. The Minister of Conservation has the responsibility of preparing, monitoring and, if necessary, reviewing the NZCPS. Current information can be found on the DOC website, www.doc.govt.nz.

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